"Gift
Tax" is somewhat of a misnomer. Even though a gift tax return
may be required, very few people ever actually pay federal gift tax. The
purpose of the gift tax return is usually only to document a reduction in the
allowable estate tax exemption.
See https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Tax-Planning-and-Checklists/The-Gift-Tax-Made-Simple/...
If you know, for sure, the purpose and intent of the check is as a gift to you, you don't need to worry about it.
